Can’t-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted at Wishful Endings, to spotlight and discuss the books we’re excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they’re books that have yet to be released. It’s based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week’s Can’t-Wait offering – Fury – Book 3 of The Menagerie series by Rachel Vincent

#YA #dystopian fantasy #feisty heroine #shape-shifters

1986: Rebecca Essig leaves a slumber party early but comes home to a massacre—committed by her own parents. Only one of her siblings has survived. But as the tragic event unfolds, she begins to realize that other than a small army of six-year-olds, she is among very few survivors of a nationwide slaughter.

The Reaping has begun.

Present day: Pregnant and on the run with a small band of compatriots, Delilah Marlow is determined to bring her baby into the world safely and secretly. But she isn’t used to sitting back while others suffer, and she’s desperate to reunite Zyanya, the cheetah shifter, with her brother and children. To find a way for Lenore the siren to see her husband. To find Rommily’s missing Oracle sisters. To unify this adopted family of fellow cryptids she came to love and rely on in captivity.

But Delilah is about to discover that her role in the human versus cryptid war is destined to be much larger—and more dangerous—than she ever could have imagined.

I’m currently reading the second book in this series, and finding it difficult to put down. I’ve been swept along by the strength of the narrative and the plight of Delilah, who was raised as a human and then had all her rights snatched away due to a single incident… While you can read this as an escapist adventure, I also keep thinking of all those trafficked youngsters sold into slavery simply for the sin of being poor and in the wrong place at the wrong time… This gritty read highlights the plight of what happens when those who cannot fight back fall into the hands of the entitled and depraved, leading me to wonder who are the monsters. So I’m really looking forward to reading the finale of this action-packed adventure.

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I’m looking forward to a book coming out soon called Little by Edward Carey. Little is the nickname of a 6 the old French servant girl, who when orphaned is sent to a house of a Swiss master who teaches her to work on wax sculptures. She ends up working for French royalty and eventually moves to England. Yes, it’s based on the story of the life of a woman we all gone to know as Madame Tussaud.

This is a series I regret not starting in the beginning, because I’ve heard so many fantastic things about it. Alas, it’s so hard to go back and start a series when it’s already three books in. I hope you love it

Oh yes – I really, really am:)). And I know the feeling about having to go back to the beginning of the series – I wouldn’t have done it if I hadn’t acquired Fury and realised I couldn’t give the book a fair review if I didn’t read the other two… In the event, they are unputdownable.

I’ve always been curious about Rachel Vincent’s work, and I’ve heard some great things about this series. A pregnant protagonist, not too often I get to read stories featuring them! But Delilah sounds like she’s got things handled 🙂

Oh yes – you need to be afraid of Delilah when she gets her dander up… very afraid! I’ve just completed the second book and am very much looking forward to reading Fury. As you say – pregnant women don’t tend to feature all that much in SFF at all…

I agree with Mogsy–I don’t come across pregnant protagonists too often in stories, especially in YA. I haven’t read the series, but I really like that it balances the adventure-y aspect with the heavier themes!

You’re right – it’s very rare to see pregnant protagonists in SFF at all, never mind in YA. And to be honest, the stories can be read simply as escapist adventure – but those themes certainly came to my mind.

To be honest – I haven’t seen anyone else compare it to the seamier side of our own world – but I couldn’t rid myself of that comparison throughout the first book. And the second book just confirmed it.

You know, the publisher sent me the first book of this series, without my having requested it. It’s a hardcover, too. I haven’t read it yet, because it sounds a bit too creepy. But now that I see this one, I’m rethinking the whole thing! And that cover!! LOVE it! I might feature it in one of my upcoming cover meme posts. If I do, I’ll be sure to link back to this post!

No… it tackles some gritty issues, but it really isn’t horrific – I couldn’t have read it, otherwise. And you’re right – that cover is fabulous:). I can’t lie – it was a big reason why I requested the book:)

I’ve really loved the covers for all the books in this series. They’re so colorful. I like how you related the story to human trafficking. I actually really need to check out this author as I have yet to read any of her books. So glad you’re enjoying the series!